Discovering the New Normal After Children

I was recently asked, “When does life start to feel more normal after having children, and when will I begin to start feeling like myself again?” It’s such a typical question, yet I was unsure how to respond. In truth, the answer is “never,” but when you are in the newborn trenches that answer can be difficult to hear.

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Guide to Surviving Final Exams

It is about that time of year again—dreaded final exams. As a counselor that works with adolescents, I know the stress that many teens feel in regards to school. As I write this, I am reflecting back on my own experience with final exams. I always did well it in school, but when it came time to remembering an entire semester, or even year of material, I panicked. Then, I am supposed to remember a year’s worth of material for 7 classes? An overwhelming feeling takes over, and even though I know I will survive this, in the moment I have no idea how I will. Does this sound familiar? If so, here is a list of some things that you can do to prepare yourself for final exam week.

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Cultivating Intimacy without Sex

I want to talk about intimacy.  When someone mentions intimacy within a relationship, most people immediately think sexual intimacy.  However, intimacy is not just a sexual connection between partners.  Intimacy is the connection and closeness that is cultivated and expressed between partners regardless of setting. 

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“I’m living my best life!"

I have a few horribly kept secrets. Number 1, I live my life with intention and with gratitude. I freaking love my life and can’t imagine another way to live it. Number 2, I’m freaking exhausted. No, not the “I could have snoozed one extra time” exhausted, but the “I think I haven’t slept this past decade” exhausted. Number 3, I try to live my life with no compromises. Family life with two young kids, business, and full time doctoral student… “Why can’t I do it all” I often think… Oh wait, I guess I need to refer back to number 2. Exhaustion. That is why we can’t always do it all.

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May Position of the Month: Lotus

When thinking about what sexual position to showcase this month, I kept thinking of the old saying April showers bring May flowers.  Thus, for this month’s position I choose the flower-themed, Lotus position.  Lotus is designed to enhance intimacy and foster closeness between partners.  It is also considered a tantric sexual position and thus, it is meant to be a slow, mindful sexual experience versus a quick sexual experience. 

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What Do All Those Letters Mean?: ASD

As I sat down to write the Therapy Thursday blog, a time we focus on all things clinical, I knew immediately what to write about. ASD- Autism Spectrum Disorders. I couldn’t help but smile because so many of my clients came to my mind, and I couldn’t help but think of their unique gifts and personalities.

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The “perfect” number?

As someone who talks about sex with clients a lot, one of the infamous questions that I get time and again is: Is there a right number of times to have sex?” And, the answer, as frustrating as it may be, is that there is no right number of times to have sex with your partner!  No two couples are the same and thus, there is no correct number of times to have sex.  For some couples, it feels right to sexually connect 2 to 3 times a week, and for other couples it may be more or less.

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Mindfulness is for kids too!

Mindfulness, or the practice of being present in the moment, is not just for adults, it’s for kids too! Children experience stress, sadness, and frustration, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression, just like adults do. Often times, children have difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions, as well as regulating the emotions that they experience.

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What do all these letters mean?: BPD

he therapy world is filled with so many acronyms and it can get confusing and overwhelming. Each week, I will break down several of the acronyms you may have heard or read about.

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How to Avoid Defensiveness

The most exciting thing for me about the therapy process is that it acknowledges the human condition of imperfection. We are all human, and by being human, it means we come with flaws. By seeking therapy, you are acknowledging this human condition, while also seeking self-compassion and self-acceptance, but also having a desire to work on one’s self.

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What do all these letters mean?: ACT

The therapy world is filled with so many acronyms and it can get confusing and overwhelming. Each week, I will break down several of the acronyms you may have heard or read about.

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Overcoming Sexual Misconceptions from our Orgasm-Centric Society

In our society, it is easy to develop unrealistic expectations, especially in regards to sex; this often includes a misconception of what our sex life is “meant” to look like.  Misconceptions affect so many individuals and couples.  I am sure at some point you have even had the thought, “I bet ___________ (fill in with anything related to sex) is unusual for other people… I wonder if we’re the only ones who have experienced this.”  Many sexual misconceptions occur because our society is so orgasmic centric.  Two misconceptions that are very popular are the ideas that orgasm is a requirement for sexual activity and that simultaneous orgasm can and should be achieved on a regular basis.

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